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Episode 2

Drama series set in Russia in the early 19th century, based on Tolstoy's novel. As Andrei prepares for a great battle, Pierre struggles with married life.

The Russian army is safe after a marginal success at Schongrabern that just keeps the French at bay. Andrei and Nikolai are both excited to tell stories of their involvement, until the sobering realisation strikes that a far more terrible battle awaits them. The tsar himself, confident of victory, comes to Austria to command the troops. But Andrei's wise old commander General Kutuzov is concerned that Napoleon is setting a trap.

Back in Russia, Natasha and her family are desperate to hear news from Nikolai. Pierre is married to Helene but struggles to settle into their life together. With his daughter happily coupled off, Prince Vassily's thoughts turn to marrying off his son Anatole. They travel to meet Andrei's sister, Marya, at Prince Bolkonsky's country estate. Marya is tempted by the unexpected prospect of romance, but her father is less convinced of Anatole's intentions.

Available now

1 hour

Audio described

Last on

Sun 10 Jan 2016 21:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Pierre Bezukhov Paul Dano
Natasha Rostova Lily James
Andrei Bolkonsky James Norton
Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky Jim Broadbent
General Mikhail Kutuzov Brian Cox
Prince Vassily Kuragin Stephen Rea
Napoleon Bonaparte Mathieu Kassovitz
Vassily Denisov Thomas Arnold
Boris Drubetskoy Aneurin Barnard
Marya Bolkonskaya Jessie Buckley
Fedya Dolokhov Tom Burke
Count Ilya Rostov Adrian Edmondson
Anna Drubetskaya Rebecca Front
Sonya Rostova Aisling Loftus
Nikolai Rostov Jack Lowden
Helene Kuragina Tuppence Middleton
Lise Bolkonskaya Kate Phillips
Tikhon David Quilter
Mademoiselle Bourienne Olivia Ross
Countess Natalya Rostova Greta Scacchi
Anatole Kuragin Callum Turner
Writer Andrew Davies
Producer Julia Stannard
Director Tom Harper

Broadcast

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Gallery